Attack on Townsville health service CEO 'out of order'

The Townsville Health and Hospital Service says attacks on its chief executive in Queensland Parliament were unprovoked and questionable.

The State Opposition yesterday criticised Julia Squire's decision to cut hundreds of jobs in a previous role at a United Kingdom hospital.

The Opposition also raised questions about what background checks were conducted before Ms Squire was hired.

Ms Squire was found not guilty of discrimination against a doctor at an inquiry In Britain in 2011.

Health service chairman John Bearne says he is disappointed by the personal attacks.

"That wasn't an attack on the hospital, that was an attack on a particular person in a hospital and whether that's a CEO, one of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, it didn't matter, it's a personal attack and that's completely out of order," he said.

"The process of engaging is extremely thorough, international consultants were used to get the nominees on board and do complete background checks on that and when Julie was short-listed the board and in fact myself did extensive background checks."